LAGUNA HILLS – A resident concerned about drag racing in a business district wants to know how to get police to help stop it.

Q.On Lake Forest Drive between the 5/405 freeways and Tesla/Santa Vittoria I have witnessed frequent drag races. While I have been dutiful in calling the sheriff’s office when I see these they still occur with frequent regularity, especially on weekend mornings between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. In addition to this, there are several vehicles that engage in unsafe driving practices in the area at these hours on weekend and weekday mornings, such as donuts in the intersection or in nearby commercial parking lots. Since I do not believe that calling a deputy will solve the problem (since the perpetrators are often long gone by the time a deputy is able to arrive) I want to know if there are any tips or suggestions for a citizen that wants these crimes to stop. I have seen deputies in the area engaged in traffic stops at peak hours, but this is not occurring during peak hours.

A. Lt. Steve Doan, chief of Police Services, says the only action he would encourage among community members is to report this behavior when they see it occur. He’s forwarded the comments to his patrol staff and plans to have deputies spending some extra time in the area to try and identify the individuals who are engaging in this reckless and dangerous driving.

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Erika Ritchie reports on South Orange County coastal communities, military issues and Camp Pendleton for the OC Register. She explores everything from coastal access, environmental issues and marine life to city government, animal welfare and quality of life. She’s won many awards including first place in news (2016) by the Orange County Press Club for her coverage of record numbers of whale entanglements off the California coast. Erika’s covered military change of command and seen military affairs firsthand from the sea aboard a battleship, air from a MV-22 Osprey, and land including Pendleton’s International war games and San Clemente Island’s ordnance ranges. Journalism allows Erika’s penchant for telling human stories of conflict, struggle and joy. Her monthly Everyday Hero feature does just that, highlighting achievements of some of Orange County’s most dedicated volunteers and non-profit leaders. Since joining the Register in 2001, she’s at times covered every city in South Orange County delving into development, housing, transportation, county government and social issues. She’s often written about Saddleback Church and Pastor Rick Warren’s emerging national and global roles. Erika’s passionate about animals and outdoor adventure. She runs, stand-up paddles and skis - both alpine and x-country. She frequents Mammoth Lakes and Mountain for hiking, biking & skiing and for her dogs to frolic in the snow and lakes. She grew up bilingual in German and conversational in French.